The interdisciplinary specialization is intended to meet the needs of students interested in combining courses and skills from two areas of specialization. At least one of the specialization areas must come from within the college. The second area may come from a department in another college at Northeastern University, such as Biology, Chemistry, or Engineering. Dissertation coadvisers are arranged for students who elect this option. Students may begin to consider this option by discussing it with a faculty member in the college representing one of their areas of interest and by informing the PhD program director's office. The two areas of academic concentration are reflected in the course work, cumulative exams, and dissertation work undertaken. Students take the usual required courses. Specialization and General Elective Core courses are approved by the coadvisers. Students electing the interdisciplinary option must fulfill the same requirements as all other PhD candidates.